INDIANAPOLIS -- The texts of the Geneva Conventions are available in most good libraries and on the Web from organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. However, they can be difficult to read, hard to search, and impractical to use on deadline.

To address this issue, the Society of Professional Journalists created the “Journalist’s Guide to the Geneva Conventions.” Funded by a grant from the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, the work was authored by Maria Trombly, a freelance journalist, former war correspondent and now the chair of SPJ’s International Journalism Committee. It was edited by former committee chair John Hopkins of the Miami Herald.

It offers an easy-to-use alphabetical reference guide to the Geneva Conventions, as well as the full texts of the conventions themselves. The guide entries are cross-linked to the relevant portions of the conventions, providing an easy way to look up hundreds of topics such as “orphans,” “war crimes,” and “wounded prisoners of war.”

Patterned after the AP Stylebook, the “Journalist’s Guide to the Geneva Conventions” can be found online at no charge at www.genevaconventions.org. Printed copies are available from the Society of Professional Journalists by calling 317/927-8000. Paperback editions are available for $12; special waterproof editions are available for $25. Shipping is $6.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press